Ben White started his first game since leaving the England camp due to personal reasons. The 24-year-old has been brilliant for the Gunners at right-back and earned his call-up to Gareth Southgate’s side.
However, on November 30 the record-breaking Arsenal defender returned home, it was announced by the national team. It was confirmed that he was not expected to return and that his privacy is respected.
Despite the call, stories began to circulate about the reasons for his absence. Gareth Southgate quashed the suggestions in an England press conference saying he wanted to avoid giving any credibility to the rumours.
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Having now returned to Arsenal, trained and subsequently taken part in today’s friendly clash with AC Milan, helping the Gunners lift the Dubai Super Cup, Mikel Arteta was asked about the stories surrounding the defender. The Gunners manager was asked about the stories which have circulated despite the call for privacy on the matter.
“We can’t control that,” Arteta told football.london . “I know who Ben is, what he needs, what his character is and how happy we all are to have him at the club.
White will be a critically important part of the squad for Arsenal as they attempt to look ahead to a potential title challenge. With William Saliba potentially missing for the Premier League’s return due to France’s prospective progression through the World Cup, White may need to step up in defence and move back to the central area for the visit of West Ham United.
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